Manufacturing Gearing Up in Florida

MFG DAY, supported by a group of national industry sponsors and co-producers, is designed to “amplify the voice of individual manufacturers and coordinate a collective chorus of manufacturers with common concerns and challenges.”

The rallying point for a growing mass movement, MFG DAY empowers manufacturers to come together to help ensure the industry’s vitality today and into the future.

For the record, according to the most recent annual data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, manufacturers nationwide contributed $2.09 trillion to the economy (a figure that has steadily risen since 2009 when manufacturers contributed $1.73 trillion). The sector accounts for 12 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. For every $1 spent in manufacturing, another $1.37 is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any economic sector.

Further, manufacturing supports an estimated 17.6 million jobs in the United States, accounting for about one in six private-sector jobs. More than 12 million Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are employed directly in manufacturing.

Manufacturing is a very big deal.

MADE IN FLORIDA

Now, let’s talk Florida and economic impact.

Careers are literally made in manufacturing. Across the state, more than 18,000 companies and 340,000 people work in manufacturing. On average, those employees are paid approximately $63,853 a year, according to the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence for Manufacturing. FLATE, based in Brandon outside of Tampa, is one of 40 Advanced Technological Education Centers across the country, all funded by the National Science Foundation to improve and advance technician education.

The biggest number: In 2012, Florida’s total manufacturing output equaled $37 billion (and the total has increased since then).

This isn’t building simple widgets, either, although there’s certainly nothing wrong with that related impact. Typically in Florida, this is high-tech stuff. In terms of employment and wages among manufacturing sectors, Aerospace Product and Parts leads the way, followed by Medical Equipment and Supplies.

The scene is only getting brighter for the state, too. For example, in mid-September Blue Origin announced its selection of Florida as the site for the launch, manufacturing and support facilities for its Orbital Launch Vehicle (OLV) program. The project will create 330 new jobs and a capital investment of $200 million in Brevard County over the next five years.

Also, 1st Choice Aerospace announced plans to add 40 jobs to its Miramar location.The company, specializing in repairing pneumatics, crew seats, O2, fuel, cargo and waste systems for commercial, cargo and military aircrafts, chose to expand in Florida instead of Kentucky. 1st Choice Aerospace also plans to make a capital investment of more than $7 million in the local community.

Less than a week ago, Bay State Cable Ties announced intent to expand in Okaloosa County and create 40 jobs. The expansion will also have a more than $16 million capital investment in the local community. The company is a full-line manufacturer of specialty cable ties and currently has 97 Florida employees.

Here’s one more, just for fun. Anheuser-Busch will be expanding its Metal Container Corporation facility in Jacksonville, creating 75 jobs. The company will also make a $170 million capital investment in the community. Anheuser-Busch currently employs more than 800 Floridians across the state.

About the Author

Candelaria is a 30-year veteran of the magazine industry in Central Florida, having served as a writer and editor for numerous publications. Those publications range from city/regional and business magazines to travel/leisure and sports magazines. Formerly, he was the editor of Orlando magazine and the 1996 president of the Florida Magazine Association. He is well-known in the Central Florida community, working with high-profile organizations such as the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and Visit Orlando. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida.